Stretching machine

ABSTRACT

A stretching machine that can be used for rehabilitation, medical treatment and fitness for paraplegics and athletes. The stretching machine is comprised of a stretching bar and a base. The stretching machine allows the user to stretch while in a seated or standing position. The telescoping stretching bar includes a mechanism for allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly in front of his torso, directly above his head, or any angle in between. Positioning the telescoping stretching bar to either side of the user allows for arm and shoulder stretching. In addition, the telescoping stretching bar can pivot to an angular orientation with respect to the user&#39;s waist. By changing the angle of the telescoping stretching bar and the position of the bar, with respect to the seated user, the target muscle groups change. Because of its open design the stretching machine can be easily operated by the user or easily assisted by a therapist or trainer. The telescoping stretching bar of the stretching machine uses a series of telescoping tubes to achieve a greater length when being used and extended, than when collapsed and not in use.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/500,293, filed Sep. 4, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to an apparatus for safely facilitating stretching exercises and rehabilitation. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stretching apparatus that allows stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups without undue stress.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A physically fit person is defined by a combination of strength, endurance, and flexibility. Many individuals concentrate on strength and endurance by engaging in activities such as weight lifting and jogging, but ignore the need to be flexible. However, it is widely recognized by experts in the field that stretching prior to commencing an exercise regimen is of paramount importance to reduce the likelihood of exercise related injuries. Furthermore, lack of flexibility can lead to problems with the lower back, etc., as a person ages.

Stretching is also an important part of any physical therapy regimen practiced by patients undergoing physical rehabilitation following an accident or illness, as well as patients seeking relief from common ailments such as back pain. This type of therapy is commonly supervised by a highly trained physical therapist, and may be conducted in a hospital setting or at the patient's home. Paraplegic and quadriplegic patients must also have their limbs stretched on a regular basis to avoid further medical complications. For severely impaired patients, the therapist must maneuver the patient's limbs through a full range of motion while at the same time being careful not to force or over stretch the muscles.

Traditionally, pre-exercise, post-exercise, as well as therapeutic stretching exercises, are performed on the floor using a simple floor mat, or by hanging from a bar. In a typical floor stretching exercise, a person sits with his legs in a straddle position extended out in front of his torso. The person bends his torso into the mat, thereby stretching his legs and back muscles. To maximize the stretch, the person may extend his arms out over his head in a reaching fashion and the stretch is held for a short period of time. The stretching exercise may be assisted with the help of a partner or therapist. For severely impaired patients, a therapist must individually move each of the patient's limbs while the patient is on a table or on the floor. In a hanging stretch exercise, the person hangs from a bar, such as, for example, in a chin-up preparation position, and allows the weight of his or her own body to provide a downward stretch. This method is particularly undesirable in a therapeutic environment since the full body weight often provides many times more force than is necessary or desired to accomplish the stretch, thus putting strain on the muscles. Additionally, a patient in therapy often lacks the strength in their hands that is required to support their own body weight.

In the design and manufacture of exercise machines, the trend has been to move away from manual or free-weight apparatuses and to provide more machines which are designed to ensure proper movement of a specific muscle group. Although this trend has been more prevalent for muscle building exercise machines, it is becoming more prevalent for stretching machines as well.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,090 to Reed shows an exercising machine for stretching a user's leg and back muscles, which closely simulates conventional floor exercises. A user sits with his legs extended out and locked in front of his torso. A handgrip is provided at the end of a motorized telescoping arm for the user to grasp. Forward and reverse buttons on the handgrip are used to control the direction of the telescoping arm as it pulls the user to the floor or pushes him back to a sitting position. This machine is mechanically complex and extremely limited in the types of exercises and range of motions that can be accomplished. For example, this type of machine cannot be used in a therapeutic environment where the patient has a back injury and is physically unable to bend at the torso. Additionally, since it is a user operated motorized machine, that is actually stretching the muscles, it would be easy for an inexperienced or overzealous user to go too far and cause muscle hyperextension or some other unhealthy result.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,453 to Hestilow shows an example of a stretching machine where a user sits with his legs secured in a pair of leg decks which are longitudinally slidable to accommodate different size users. A hydraulic jack is used to move the leg decks in an arc movement to stretch the user's legs in a spread-eagled fashion. A handle bar is positioned in front of the user in the same plane as the user's legs to aid in front stretches.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,684 to Ruff shows a leg stretch machine somewhat similar to the one that is described in Hestilow. A crank and ratchet mechanism is provided which, when turned, moves a pair of spreader arms to split a user's legs apart. A hand-grip is bolted to a central bar in front of the user near the ground. This allows the user to pull his upper body closer to the floor with his legs spread thereby simulating various martial arts positions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,504 to Mangini shows a stretching machine where a seat is provided with pivotally mounted leg platforms extending there from. A user sits in the seat in an upright position with his legs strapped into the leg platforms. The machine employs a steering wheel type crank which, when turned, moves the leg platforms and stretches the user's legs apart. A rod is positioned directly in front of the user. The rod has a left and right hand grip and a cable extending from the center of the rod to the seat backrest. When the user grasps and turns the rod, a ratchet mechanism winds the cable around the rod pulling the backrest forward and causing the user to assume a bent over posture. In this manner, the leg and back muscles are stretched simultaneously.

The aforementioned stretch exercise machines offer significant improvement over conventional floor exercises in that they ensure proper muscle movement and, in most cases, allow for holding the muscles in a stretched position for a period of time. Unfortunately, the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and do not permit side-to-side movements or vertical stretch movements, which simulate hanging.

To date few advances have been made in the design of machines which facilitate stretching exercises. Typical examples are U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,801 to Davies and U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,560 to Davies. These machines are essentially leg stretching machines with an added back stretching bar. The user sits on these machines with their legs positioned outward, resting on a pair of movable leg supports. The user turns a crank to which moves the leg supports outward, away from each other in a jaw like fashion thus stretching the legs apart. The user then positions the stretching beam, captured between the two leg supports in front of him, grasps the handle that rides along the beam and stretches forward thus stretching the users' back. While primitive, this is the finest back stretcher to date. Unfortunately, the stretch machines only allow the user to assume a straight-out, bent over posture and side-to-side stretching is limited by the leg flexibility of the user.

It is important that stretching be carried out with smooth continuous movements, rather than bouncy movements, in order to avoid injuries during the stretching exercise itself. Ideally, the muscles should be in a relaxed state to maximize the stretch and to avoid undue stress on the muscle, tendons, and skeleton. In addition stretching a wide variety of muscle groups will maximize the benefit to the user. Having a machine designed to accomplish these objectives would be advantageous since it would encourage healthy individuals to include stretching in their fitness routine, and would aid in rehabilitation and treatment regimens as well as reduce the cost of therapy.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus for stretching a wide variety of a user's muscle groups.

It is an object of this invention to provide a stretching apparatus useful for rehabilitation, medical treatment and fitness.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which is convenient and easy to use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which allows for a wide variety of stretches in a wide variety of directions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which decreases the risk of injury to the user.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a stretching apparatus which allows for smooth and continuous movements by the user.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stretching apparatus provides safe and effective stretching of a wide variety of muscle groups while the user is in a relaxed sitting or semi-prone orientation. The stretching apparatus includes a mechanism for stretching the back, arm and shoulder muscles without using the full weight of the patient to apply the stretching force. The back, arm, shoulder muscles, and joints of a paraplegic can be stretched with the user in a seated position. For example, the user is permitted to stretch above his head as well as towards his or her feet. In addition, the back and arm muscles and joints can be stretched with the user's torso being turned towards one side or the other, thus, a different set of muscle groups and joints are stretched than when the torso is oriented in a forward direction. The stretching apparatus can also include a mechanism for allowing the user to stretch in an arched back position thus allowing additional backstretches. When the user is seated with the stretching bar positioned at his side, or he positions the telescoping stretching bar to either side of his torso he can stretch the shoulder joint and the various muscles of his shoulder. All stretching mechanisms can be motorized, controlled by hand crank, and or computer controlled by adding sensors, cables, pulleys, ropes, gears, chains, torque converters or any suitable means. In addition, a weight attachment, magnetic or mechanical resistance may be added to the back stretching apparatus to add strengthening capabilities to the telescoping stretching bar. Electronic sensors may be added for positive feedback to the user, such as audible commands or tones, as well as to provide a trainer or therapist with stretching assessment information. There can be as few as two tubes for the telescoping section of the telescoping stretching bar; however, there can be three or more depending on the extension length desired. The pivoting end of the telescoping section may be either the smaller or the larger diameter tube. The telescoping stretching bar handle may take several forms such as Velcro straps, a T handle, or other. The telescoping stretching bar may also have a fixed hand grip means at the end or may have an attachment port at the end to accommodate the various handle configurations or other attachments. The hand grip may also be slidably connected to the telescoping section of the stretching bar. The footrest may be removable and can be adjustable and can also rotate up to 360 degrees. The stretching machine may also contain a seat or back support and can include a single or multiple pivoting arms. The location of the pivoting arms may vary depending on the application. There are also other mechanisms that can be built into this stretching machine like a thigh spreading mechanism or a leg spreading mechanism. Indices can be added to the moving mechanisms to represent degrees similar to a goniometry. A scale similar to that of a yardstick can be added to the telescoping section of the stretching machine for measuring the stretch. All angle adjustments will use pin locks or other suitable means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 & 2 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention, which is wheelchair accessible or can be used while standing;

FIGS. 3 & 4 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention where a seat (7) has been added to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention;

FIGS. 5 & 6 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention where a back support assembly (37) has been added to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the stretching machine according to the fourth embodiment (38) of the stretching machine invention wherein the pivoting arm (3) of the stretching machine has been added to the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the stretching machine according to the fifth embodiment (39) of the stretching machine invention where movable seat back assembly (37) ports (30) have been added to the second embodiment (27) of the stretching machine invention;

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are side views and FIG. 10 is a top view of the stretching machine according to the sixth embodiment (21) of the stretching machine invention. The telescoping stretching bar (32) can now pivot to either side of the seat because the horizontal pivot of the horizontal pivoting arm (12) of the telescoping stretching bar 32 has moved from in front of the seat to under the seat to the central pivot point (6) of the third embodiment (22) of the stretching machine invention;

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 12 are side views and FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 are top views of the stretching machine according to the seventh embodiment (20) of the stretching machine invention where the pivoting arm (3) of the stretching machine has been added to the sixth embodiment (21) of the stretching machine invention;

FIG. 17 & 18 are side and top views, respectively, of the stretching machine according to the eighth embodiment (40) of the invention where a swivel seat has been added to the first embodiment (29) of the stretching machine invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the expanded stretching bar that can be used by this invention;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the seat back assembly that can be used by this invention;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a rack that can be used with FIG. 23 to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention;

FIG. 23 is a top view of a pull pin-lock with a beveled pin that can be used with FIG. 22 to complete a two-piece ratchet assembly used by this invention;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention; and

FIG. 25 is a side view of the retracted stretching bar that can be used by this invention.

FIG. 26 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 26;

FIGS. 28 a and 28 b are side views of the gimbal mechanism of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 26; and

FIG. 29 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

ELEMENT LIST

-   1. Base -   2. Telescoping section of stretching bar -   3. Pivoting arm -   4. Footrest -   5. Vertical angle adjustment for the telescoping stretching bar -   6. Central pivot -   7. Seat -   8. Backrest -   9. Handle -   10. Adjustable pivot for handle -   11. Horizontal angle adjustment of telescoping stretching bar -   12. Horizontal pivoting arm of the telescoping stretching bar -   13. Vertical arc of the telescoping stretching bar -   14. Vertical arc of back support assembly -   15. Telescoping direction of telescoping stretching bar -   16. Height adjustment for back support assembly -   17. Depth adjustment for back support assembly -   18. Horizontal arc of pivoting arm of stretching machine -   19. Horizontal arc of stretching bar -   20. Seventh embodiment of the invention -   21. Sixth embodiment of the invention -   22. Third embodiment of the invention -   23. Arc of handle -   24. Counter balance for stretching bar -   25. Arc of footrest -   26. Vertical member of base -   27. Second embodiment of the invention -   28. Ratchet release or pin-lock -   29. First embodiment of the invention -   30. Port for movable back support assembly -   31. Landing area -   32. Telescoping stretching bar -   33. Holes -   34. Pin lock for vertical angle adjustment of stretching bar -   35. Pin lock for horizontal angle adjustment of stretching bar -   36. Pin lock for horizontal angle adjustment of pivoting arm of     stretching machine -   37. Back support assembly -   38. Fourth embodiment of the invention -   39. Fifth embodiment of the invention -   40. Eighth embodiment of the invention -   41. Horizontal arc of pivoting back support assembly -   42. Stretching bar horizontal pivot point -   43. Stretching bar vertical pivot point -   44. Pivot for stretching bar handle -   45. Pin lock for stretching bar handle -   46. Bearings for telescoping tubes of telescoping stretching bar -   47. Pivot for footrest -   48. Inner tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly -   49. Middle tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly -   50. Outer tube of telescoping stretching bar assembly -   51. Pin lock for stretching bar attachments -   52. Stretching bar attachment port -   53. Vertical angle adjustment for back support assembly -   54. Vertical pivot point for back support assembly -   55. Upright support for back support assembly -   56. Backrest support for back support assembly -   57. Beveled pin -   58. Sliding carriage -   59. Direction of movement of sliding carriage -   60. Gimbal mechanism -   61. Height adjustment for vertical member -   62. Horizontal angle adjustment for gimbal mechanism -   63. Vertical angle adjustment for gimbal mechanism -   64. Seat tilting mechanism -   65. Seat tilt angle adjuster -   66. Seat tilt locking mechanism -   67. Seat swivel mechanism -   68. Pivot plate -   69. Tension springs

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown side and top views of the stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 29. The support frame of the stretching machine is comprised of a base 1 which contains a single or multiple vertical support members 26 which are preferably made from tubular steel or a similar sturdy material of any desired cross-section, for example, round, square, U-shaped, or other appropriate shape. In the preferred embodiment, the telescoping stretching bar assembly 32 (shown in additional detail in FIGS. 19 and 20) consists of three nesting sections 48, 49, 50 and attaches to a vertical support member 26 of the base 1. In the preferred embodiment, the stretching machine includes an arm, back and shoulder stretching component called the telescoping stretching bar 32. The telescoping stretching bar 32 projects outward from the base 1 and may be pivotally mounted to support 26 at a horizontal pivoting arm 12. The telescoping stretching bar 32 has a vertical angle adjustment 5 that pivots at the telescoping stretching bar vertical pivot point 43. A counter balance 24 may be used if desired. This pivot allows a seated user to change the vertical angle of the telescoping stretching bar 32, while seated, to any position along the vertical arc 13 of the telescoping stretching bar 32, thus allowing the user to sit and fully extend his arms either directly above his head, directly in front of his torso, or at any angle there between, as depicted by the vertical arc 13 of the telescoping stretching bar 32.

In addition, the telescoping stretching bar 32 can be pivoted to an angular orientation with respect to the user's waist as shown on FIG. 2 by arrow 19. The horizontal adjustment may be accomplished by moving the horizontal pivoting arm 12 towards the left or right while changing the horizontal angle adjustment 11 that pivots at pivot 42.

The telescoping stretching bar assembly 32 may include a handle 9 connected to a pivot 10 at its end or may contain an attachment port 52 at its end to accept a variety of other attachments which may be locked in place by means of a pin lock 51 (see FIG. 20 for additional detail). The handle 9 may take numerous forms such as, for example, rubber or Velcro straps (not shown), a T handle or other suitable means for grasping. The handle 9 can pivot about pivot point 44 for particular exercises and can achieve any angular orientation as shown by arrow 23 on FIG. 19. A pin lock 45 is preferably used to retain the handle in the desired angular orientation. There can also be an attachment port 52 as shown on FIG. 20 for the handle 9 and other attachment types. The handle 9 may also be attached to a carriage 58, as shown on FIGS. 1 Ic, 24 and 25, that is slidably attached to the telescoping stretching bar 32 such that movement in the direction of arrow 59 is permitted.

If desired, the stretching machine 29 may include a footrest 4. The footrest 4 may be adjustable about pivot point 47 through angle 25 as shown in further detail in FIG. 19 and may further be removable.

In operation the user may move his wheelchair to the landing area 31 according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The user then faces the telescoping stretching bar 32, grasps the handle 9, and adjusts the vertical angle 5 by pulling out the pin lock 34 then pushes the telescoping stretching bar 32 away from or pulls the bar to his body and then releases the pin lock 34 when the desired vertical angle along arc 13 is achieved. Then in a similar fashion the horizontal angle is chosen by pulling the horizontal angle adjustment pin lock 35, while still grasping handle 9, and swinging the telescoping stretching bar 32, which is pivoting now at pivot point 42, along arc 19 until the desired horizontal angle is achieved. The user then releases pin lock 35 and the horizontal angle is locked in. The user then begins to stretch, pushing the handle 9 outward away from his body in the direction shown by arrow 15. The telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32 now extend in the selected direction under the force of the user. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements with bearings 46 providing smooth motion of the telescoping sections 2.

A ratchet mechanism (shown in detail in FIGS. 22 and 27) built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar 32 may hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.

The user may also enter wheelchair landing area 31 from the side thus positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32 towards their left or their right arm. In this position the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.

In addition to the previously described stretches the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar 32 for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case, a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements. Since, the ratchet mechanism permits movement only in one direction, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the machine 29 can hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown side and top views of the second embodiment of the stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 27. This stretching machine is similar to the first embodiment 29 of the stretching machine with the addition of a seat 7 added at the top of the base. If desired, vertical support members 26 of different lengths may be used to angle the seat 7. For example, if the vertical support members at the rear of the sear 7 are shorter than the vertical support members 26 at the forward edge of the seat 7, gravity will force the user towards the back of the seat 7, thus aiding in the stretch. Alternatively, the angular orientation of the seat 7 may be adjustable. The seat 7 may also include grab bars on either or both sides. The grab bars may be attached to the seat 7 or to the base 1 as preferred.

According to FIG. 3 the user may sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 or may sit facing north with the telescoping stretching bar 32 to his left or the user may sit facing south with the telescoping stretching bar to his right. In this configuration, the stretching machine has a broader target user. An athlete, as well as a physical therapy patient may use this apparatus. In operation the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 on seat 7 according to FIGS. 3 and 4. The user then does all forward stretching in the same fashion as described in the first embodiment 29 of the stretching machine. Similarly, when the user is on the apparatus with their left arm or right arm adjacent to the telescoping stretching bar 32 the resulting stretch is also the same as previously described for the first embodiment 29 of this invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 represent the third embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 22. This stretching machine is similar to the second embodiment 27 of the stretching machine with the addition of a back support assembly 37 which may be particularly effective for providing upper and lower lumber support for a user when the telescoping stretching bar 32 is oriented in a vertical position. Pin locks can be used to permit the back rest 8 to move in the direction of arrow 16 along an upright support beam 55 or in the direction of arrow 17 along a backrest support beam 56. The vertical angle 14 of the back support assembly 37 may also be adjusted about a pivot point 54 as required for certain exercises. This can be accomplished by changing the back support assembly vertical angle adjustment 53 on FIG. 21. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the second embodiment 27 of the machine.

FIG. 7 represents the fourth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 38. This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine with the addition of a pivoting arm 3 attached to the back support assembly 37. This pivoting arm 3 can allow the back support assembly 37 to swivel, preferably 360°, and can lock at various positions around the seat 7 with pin lock 36. The pivoting arm 3 can be used to attach a bar, a seat or other appropriate attachment. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 represents the fifth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 39. This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine with the back support assembly 37 of FIG. 21 being a separate attachment that may be moved to various ports 30 around the seat 7. This configuration of the stretching machine invention would be cheaper to construct than reference numeral 38. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the previous embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 10 represent the sixth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 21. This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine wherein the horizontal pivoting arm 12 has been lengthened and the pivot mechanism has been changed and is now represented by reference numeral 6. This stretching machine has the advantage of improved ergonomic forward stretching. In operation, the user sits facing the telescoping stretching bar on the seat 7 according to FIGS. 9 and 10. The user may then grasp the handle 9, adjust the vertical angle 5, as previously described, and finally adjust the horizontal angle 18 by pulling out the pin lock 36 and swinging the telescoping stretching bar 32 left or right and releasing pull pin 36 when the telescoping stretching bar 32 is in the proper position. The user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle 9 outward away from his body. The telescoping stretching sections 2 now extend under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.

A ratchet mechanism (see FIGS. 22 and 27) can be built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the telescoping stretching bar 32 holds the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.

The user may also sit on the seat 7, positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32 towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar.

In addition to the previously described stretches, the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements. Since, the ratchet mechanism permits movement only in one direction, the handle 9 cannot slip backwards and the machine 21 can hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time.

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 represent the seventh embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 20. This stretching machine is a merging of technology represented in the third 22 and sixth 21 embodiments of the stretching machine. By adding the pivoting arm 3 and pivot point 6 to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine, the number of three dimensional positions of the telescoping stretching bar 32 is substantially increased, thus making this version of the stretching machine more versatile than many of the others. In operation, the user can sit facing the telescoping stretching bar 32 on seat 7 according to FIGS. 1 and 2. The user may then grasp the handle 9, adjust the vertical angle 5 and adjust the horizontal angle 11 thus selecting the stretching angle. The user can then begin to stretch, pushing the handle 9 outward away from his body. The telescoping stretching bar 32 now extends under the force of the user, in the selected direction. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.

A ratchet mechanism can be built into the telescoping stretching bar 32 which permits movement only in one direction. While engaged, the ratchet mechanism prevents the handle 9 from slipping backwards, allowing the telescoping stretching bar 32 to hold the user in a stretched position for any desired period of time. The ratchet mechanism may be designed to click at specific intervals, such as, for example, every centimeter. Indicia may be provided along the length of the telescoping stretching bar 32 to provide positive feedback regarding the distance of the stretch and thereby allow the user to monitor his progress. Since the user may be stretching his arms, back and shoulders on his own initiative and not under the influence of some outside force, there is no danger of muscle hyperextension or other stretching related injury. A release lever 28 may be provided to release the ratchet mechanism so that the handle 9 can be lowered for another exercise repetition.

The user may also sit on seat 7 positioning himself to have the telescoping stretching bar 32, towards their left arm or their right arm. In this position, the user will operate the telescoping stretching bar 32 in the same manner as before however the resulting stretch will be focused on the shoulder muscles, ligaments and joints closest to the bar. In addition to the previously described stretches, the user may also use the telescoping stretching bar for single arm stretching in the same manner by grasping the handle 9 or other suitable attachment with a single hand. It may be necessary to assist paraplegic users when performing arm, shoulder and back stretching exercises. This can be easily accomplished by either a therapist helping the user to lift the handle 9 or by motorizing the arm and back stretching component. In the latter case a motorized mechanism would slowly raise the handle 9 in a continuous motion to stretch a disabled user's arms, shoulders and back. For safety, an adjustable torque converter could be used which stops when a preset resistance is encountered during an exercise. Resistance may be added if desired to oppose the user's movements.

FIGS. 17 and 18 represent the eighth embodiment of this stretching machine generally referred to by the reference numeral 40. This stretching machine is similar to the third embodiment 22 of the stretching machine with the addition of a seat pivot (not shown) allowing the seat to rotate up to 360 degrees through angle 41. This version of the stretching machine would be easier to construct than many other versions. The stretching routine however, remains the same as with the first embodiment of the machine.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the preferred mechanism for providing the sliding stretch described above. As discussed above, a ratchet mechanism can be used to provide a one-way stretch. The preferred ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes 33 in the telescoping stretching bar 32 as shown in FIG. 22. A pin lock 28 which has a spring loaded, beveled pin 57 is used to maintain motion in a single direction of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32. As the beveled pin 57 moves along the holes 33 in the telescoping stretching bar 32, the beveled pin 57 is forced inward, against the spring (not shown). As the beveled pin 57 reaches each hole 33, the spring forces the beveled pin 57 into each hole 33, thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32. While the preferred method is the ratchet mechanism described, other methods, such as a pull pin, may be satisfactory.

FIGS. 26-28 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the seat 7 is adjustable from a horizontal orientation. The seat rotates around a tilting mechanism 64 and is locked at the desired angle by means of a locking mechanism 66 and angle adjusters 65. The seat 7 may also, if desired, swivel about a swivel mechanism 67.

The stretching bar 32 is mounted on a gimbal assembly 60 which allows translation of the bar 32 from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation through a vertical angle adjustment mechanism 63 and locking of the bar at a desired location from vertical to horizontal. The gimbal mechanism 60 also allows rotation of the bar 32 through a horizontal angle adjustment mechanism 62. The height of the bar can also be adjusted through a height adjustment mechanism 61.

FIG. 27 shows an alternate embodiment of the ratchet mechanism shown in FIG. 22. As before, the ratchet mechanism is constructed by creating holes 33 in each section 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32. A pin lock 28 which has a spring loaded, beveled pin 57 (see FIG. 23) is used to maintain motion of the telescoping sections 2 in a single direction. As the beveled pin 57 moves along the holes 33 in the telescoping stretching bar 32, the beveled pin 57 is forced inward, against the spring (not shown). As the beveled pin 57 reaches each hole 33, the spring forces the beveled pin 57 into each hole 33, thus providing one way movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the telescoping stretching bar 32.

As described above, movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the stretching bar 32 is preferably controlled by a ratchet mechanism such as that shown in FIGS. 22 and 27. An alternate method of controlling the movement of the telescoping sections 2 of the stretching bar 32 is shown in FIG. 29. In this embodiment, one or more pivot plates 68 are connected to the outer telescoping section 2 by means of a tension spring 69. The spring 69 biases the pivot plates 68 towards an angled orientation which is preferably about 30° from a line perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the telescoping sections 2. At this angle, an opening in the pivot plate 68 approximates the outer perimeter of the telescoping section 2 and maintains frictional contact with the telescoping section 2. To extend the stretching bar 32, each telescoping section 2 is moved from its nested orientation. In this direction, movement is not impeded by the pivot plates 68; however, movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the geometry of the plates 68 and the outer telescoping section 2. To return the telescoping sections 2 to their nested orientation, the ends of the pivot plates 68, which are opposite the attachment points of the tension springs 69, are lifted, against the bias of the springs 69, and the telescoping sections 2 can return to their nested orientation.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A stretching apparatus, comprising: a base; an extendable column connected to the base; and a handle connected to the extendable column.
 2. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base.
 3. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the horizontal direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.
 4. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the vertical direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.
 5. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.
 6. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the handle is adjustable.
 7. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein extendable column comprises at least two telescoping elements capable of being arranged in a nested arrangement.
 8. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the extendable column includes a means for extending a first telescoping element from within a second telescoping element.
 9. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further comprising a means for maintaining the first and second telescoping elements in a desired orientation.
 10. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the extendable column includes a means for extending a first telescoping element from outside of a second telescoping element.
 11. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a seat.
 12. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the seat is attached to the base.
 13. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the seat comprises a seat bottom and a seat back.
 14. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the seat back is adjustable.
 15. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the extendable column is pivotally connected to the base such that the extendable column pivots about the seat in the horizontal direction with respect to a surface on which the stretching apparatus sits.
 16. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the seat is pivotally attached to the base.
 17. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the seat bottom is adjustable.
 18. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein the seat bottom rotates.
 19. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a foot rest.
 20. The stretching apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein the foot rest is adjustable. 